Acer SW5-271 User manual

- 1

User’s Manual

2 -

Aspire Switch 12

Covers: SW5-271

This revision: September 2014

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Model number: _________________________________

Serial number: _________________________________

Date of purchase: ______________________________

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Important

This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by

copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to

change without notice. Images provided herein are for reference only

and may contain information or features that do not apply to your

computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors

or omissions contained in this manual.

Table of contents - 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

First things first 6

Your guides ............................................. 6

Basic care and tips for using your

computer.................................................. 6

Turning your computer off........................... 6

Taking care of your computer ..................... 7

Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 7

Cleaning and servicing................................ 7

Your Acer notebook tour 9

Screen view ............................................. 9

Keyboard view ....................................... 10

Left view ................................................ 10

Information on USB 3.0............................. 11

Right view .............................................. 11

Cover / rear view ................................... 12

Using the keyboard 13

Hotkeys ..................................................... 14

Windows keys........................................ 15

Recovering your system 16

Recover from a supplied DVD ............... 16

Creating recovery discs ......................... 17

Creating a recovery backup................... 17

Creating a drivers and applications

backup................................................... 19

Recovering your system ........................ 21

Reinstalling drivers and applications......... 22

Returning to an earlier system snapshot .. 24

Returning your system to its factory

condition.................................................... 25

Recovering from Windows ........................ 25

Recovering from a recovery backup ......... 28

Connecting to the Internet 31

Connecting with a cable ........................ 31

Built-in network feature ............................. 31

Connecting wirelessly............................ 31

Connecting to a wireless LAN................... 32

Connecting to a 3G network ..................... 32

Using a Bluetooth connection 33

Enabling and disabling Bluetooth .......... 33

Enable Bluetooth and add a device .......... 33

Acer Touch Tools 35

Touch tool controls ................................ 35

Pointing ..................................................... 36

Using AccuFinger...................................... 36

RepliView .................................................. 37

Settings ..................................................... 37

Acer Screen Grasp 39

Overview .............................................. 39

Adjusting the Settings ............................... 40

The editing tool ......................................... 40

Acer Scrapboard 42

BIOS utility 44

Boot sequence....................................... 44

Setting passwords ................................. 44

Securing your computer 45

Using passwords ................................... 45

Entering passwords .................................. 45

Power management 47

Saving power ......................................... 47

Battery pack 49

Battery characteristics ........................... 49

Charging the battery ................................. 49

Optimizing battery life ............................... 50

Checking the battery level......................... 51

Battery-low warning .................................. 51

Traveling with your computer 52

Disconnecting from the desktop ............ 52

Moving around ....................................... 52

Preparing the computer ............................ 52

What to bring to meetings ......................... 53

Taking the computer home .................... 53

Preparing the computer ............................ 53

What to take with you................................ 54

Special considerations .............................. 54

Setting up a home office ........................... 54

Traveling with the computer................... 54

Preparing the computer ............................ 55

What to take with you................................ 55

Special considerations .............................. 55

Traveling internationally with the computer 55

Preparing the computer ............................ 55

What to bring with you .............................. 56

Special considerations .............................. 56

Memory card reader 58

Connectivity options............................... 58

Video and audio connectors 60

HDMI Micro 61

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 62

Frequently asked questions 64

Requesting service ................................ 66

Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 .... 68

How do I get to Start? ............................... 68

What are "Charms?" ................................. 68

Can I boot directly to the desktop? ........... 69

How do I jump between apps?.................. 69

4 - Table of contents

How do I turn off my computer?................ 69

How do I unlock my computer?................. 69

How do I set the alarm? ............................ 71

Where are my apps?................................. 72

What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 74

How do I add a favorite to Internet

Explorer?................................................... 74

How do I check for Windows updates?..... 74

Where can I get more information?........... 74

Troubleshooting..................................... 75

Troubleshooting tips.................................. 75

Error messages......................................... 75

Internet and online security 77

First steps on the net ............................. 77

Protecting your computer.......................... 77

Choose an Internet Service Provider........ 77

Network connections................................. 79

Surf the Net!.............................................. 81

Security ..................................................... 81

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Getting started...

In this section you will find:

• Useful information on caring for your computer and your health

• Where to find the power button, ports and connectors

• Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard

• How to create recovery backups

• Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth

• Information on using Acer’s bundled software

6 - First things first

FIRST THINGS FIRST

We would like to thank you for making this Acer tablet your choice for

meeting your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your Acer tablet, we have designed a set of guides:

First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your

computer.

The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions

of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you

to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guide

contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data

recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it

contains general regulations and safety notices for your tablet. It is

available from the desktop; double-click the Help icon and click

User’s Manual in the menu that opens.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer off

To turn the power off, do any of the following:

• Use the Windows shutdown command: Open the Charms, click

Settings > Power then click Shut Down.

If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t

want to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by

pressing the power button.

You can also put the computer in sleep mode by opening the Charms,

click Settings > Power then click Sleep

Note

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power

button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off

the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before

powering up.

First things first - 7

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near

sources of heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or

above 50º C (122º F).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer.

• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:

• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.

Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but

pull on the plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not

exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension

cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a

single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

8 - First things first

If either of the following occurs:

• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;

• The computer does not operate normally

Please refer to Frequently asked questions on page 64.

Your Acer notebook tour - 9

YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the setup poster, let us

show you around your new Acer notebook.

Screen view

# Icon Item Description

1 Webcam

Web camera for video

communicat

ion.

A light next to the webcam indicates

that the

webcam is active.

2 Touchscreen

Displays computer output, supports

multi-touch input.

3 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

1

2

3

10 - Your Acer notebook tour

Keyboard view

# Icon Item Description

1 Keyboard

For entering data into your

com

puter.

2 Pointing stick Used to control the cursor.

3 Selection buttons

Perform left- and right-click

fun

ctions.

4 Power switch Turns the keyboard on or off.

4

1

2

3

Left view

1

2

3

4

# Icon Item Description

1

HDMI Micro port

Supports high-definition digital video

connectio

ns.

Your Acer notebook tour - 11

Information on USB 3.0

• Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.

• For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices.

• Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).

Right view

1

2

3

4

5

2 Micro USB 3.0 port Connects to USB devices.

3

Battery reset

p

inhole

Simulates removing and reinstalling

th

e battery.

Insert a paperclip into the hole and

pre

ss for four seconds.

4

DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

# Icon Item Description

1

Headset/speaker

jack

Connects to audio devices (e.g.,

spe

akers, headphones) or a

headset with microphone.

2 Windows button

Press to go to the Windows Start

screen.

3 Volume button Adjusts the system volume.

12 - Your Acer notebook tour

Cover / rear view

1

2

3

# Icon Item Description

1

microSD card

r

eader

Accepts one microSD Card.

Push to remove/install the card.

Only one card can operate at any

given time.

2

Power button

Turns the computer on and off.

Opening the lid will also turn the

computer on.

3

Keyboard

conne

ctor

Connects to the keyboard to charge

the keyboard battery.

4 Microphone

Internal microphone for sound

recording.

5

USB port Connects to USB devices.

# Icon Item Description

Using the keyboard - 13

USING THE KEYBOARD

Your new computer has a keyboard that can be used connected to

the screen or wirelessly. The keyboard is held in place by magnetic

clips. If the keyboard has not been used for a while, it may have gone

to sleep to save power. If your computer does not respond to the

keyboard, try turning the keyboard off and on again.

Open and pull the keyboard away from the base.

Swap the keyboard to the front of the device.

14 - Using the keyboard

Snap the keyboard into place using the front locating holes.

The keyboard has full-sized keys, separate cursor, and Windows

keys.

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most

of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.

To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the

other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> +

<Q>

Airplane mode

Enables/disables the

computer’s communication

devices.

<Fn> +

<W>

Sleep

Puts the computer in Sleep

mode.

<Fn> +

<E>

Display toggle

Switches display output

between the display screen,

external monitor (if connected)

and both.

<Fn> +

<R>

Screen blank

Turns the display screen

backlight off to save power.

Press any key to return.

<Fn> +

<Y>

Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> +

<>

Brightness up

Increases the screen

brightness.

Using the keyboard - 15

Windows keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

<Fn> +

<>

Brightness down

Decreases the screen

brightness.

<Fn> +

<>

Volume up Increases the sound volume.

<Fn> +

<>

Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

Note

To use Function keys (such as F1, F2 ...) press <Fn> and the corresponding

number key. Thus, <Fn> + <1> for <F1> etc.

During boot up, press <Fn> + <2> to access BIOS.

To type a Euro symbol (€), press <Alt Gr> + <5>.

Key Description

Windows key

Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen.

It can also be used with other keys for special

functions, please check Windows Help.

Application

key

This key has the same effect as clicking the right

mouse button; it opens the application's context

menu.

16 - Recovering your system

RECOVERING YOUR SYSTEM

Depending on the storage space available in your computer, your

computer either uses the Acer Recovery Management program, or is

supplied with one or more system recovery DVDs. To use a system

recovery DVD, please see the instructions below, otherwise see

Creating recovery discs on page 17.

Recover from a supplied DVD

If your computer comes with system recovery DVDs, obtain an

external optical disc drive (ODD) and complete the following steps to

reinstall Windows 8.1 and all the required drivers:

1. Shutdown the computer by tapping the Settings charm > Power >

Shutdown.

2. Connect the ODD to your computer.

3. Enter the computer’s BIOS - press and hold the volume up key

before pressing the power button.

4. Select the Boot option in the left pane.

5. Under Boot priority order, use the arrows to move USB CDROM to

the number one position.

6. Select Exit in the left pane and then select Exit Saving Changes.

7. Insert the recovery DVD, restart your computer, and follow the

onscreen instructions.

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked

questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 64) do not

help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.

Note

Some Acer apps may not be recovered when you reinstall Windows 8.1. To

install any apps that you require, please download them from the Windows

Store.

Recovering your system - 17

Creating recovery discs

This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer.

Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to

create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to

start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery

backup.

Creating a recovery backup

To reinstall from a USB storage drive, you must first create a recovery

backup. The recovery backup includes the entire original contents of

your computer’s hard drive, including Windows and all factory-loaded

software and drivers. Using this backup will restore your computer to

the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option

to retain all settings and personal data.

Note

Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows

operating system.

Important

We recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers and

Applications Backup and as soon as possible.

In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.

Note

Since the recovery backup requires at least 16

GB of storage after formatting,

it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32

GB or larger.

18 - Recovering your system

1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery

Management in the list of apps.

2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window

opens.

Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the

recovery drive is selected. This provides the most complete and

safest recovery backup.

3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next.

Recovering your system - 19

• Since the recovery backup requires at least 16

GB of storage after

formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity

of 32

GB or larger.

4. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

5. Follow the process until it completes.

6. After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the

recovery information on your computer. If you delete this

information, you can only use the USB recovery backup to restore

your computer, if you lose or erase the USB drive, you cannot

restore your computer.

7. Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly.

Creating a drivers and applications backup

To create a Drivers and Applications Backup, that contains the

factory-loaded software and drivers needed by your computer, you

Important

Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows

Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that

you will remember.

20 - Recovering your system

may use either a USB storage drive or, if your computer features a

DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs.

1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery

Management in the list of apps.

2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.

Plug in the USB drive or insert a blank DVD into the optical drive, then

click Next.

• If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has

enough capacity before continuing.

• If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordable

discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that

you have the required number of identical, blank discs.

3. Click Start to copy files.You will be shown the backup progress on

the screen.

4. Follow the process until it completes:

• If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as it

completes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it

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